Dexmedetomidine versus fentanyl as adjuvant to epidural 0.5% levobupivacaine for transurethral prostate resection in elderly patients: a comparative evaluation

Background Regional anesthesia is the technique of choice for patients undergoing transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP), but anesthetic management of elderly patients is challenging due to compromised organ function. The present study aimed to evaluate the relative efficacy and safety of dexmedetomidine versus fentanyl in the enhancement of the quality and duration of epidural anesthesia with 0.5% levobupivacaine and hemodynamic stability during TURP in elderly patients. Patients and methods Sixty elderly consented patients were randomized into two equal groups of 30 patients each in a double-blind manner. They were given 15 ml of 0.5% levobupivacaine (75 mg) either with 1 ml (50 μg) dexmedetomidine (group LD) or with 1 ml (50 μg) fentanyl (group LF) using an epidural catheter. The primary endpoints were the onset and duration of sensory and motor blockade, duration of sensory analgesia, hemodynamic variability, respiratory adequacy, and any adverse effect. Results Demographic data were comparable in both groups. Onset of sensory and motor blockade was faster in patients of group LD than in patients of group LF, with a statistically significant difference (P < 0.05). Duration of motor blockade and sensory analgesia was longer in patients of group LD than in patients of group LF (P < 0.05). Intraoperative heart rate and mean arterial blood pressure were significantly lower in patients of group LD, but no intervention was required. Surgical bleeding was reduced in patients of group LD. Conclusion Dexmedetomidine as an adjuvant to epidural levobupivacaine for TURP has shortened onset time of anesthesia and prolonged duration of sensory analgesia. The surgical field vision was improved due to reduced bleeding.